Your Central Florida 55+Real Estate Blog

If buying a home is on your radar, you've probably been keeping an eye on mortgage rates and home prices. But don’t forget about homeowners insurance. 

Homeowners insurance has always been part of owning a home. But over the past few years, it's become a larger expense for many homeowners – something that's especially frustrating when affordability already feels tight.

The good news? While premiums are still rising, the latest data shows those increases are beginning to slow. Here's what buyers should know.

If you've been thinking about selling, you've probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting buyers have just about disappeared. But there's a big difference between a slow market and a stalled one.

Yes, mortgage rates are still higher than most people would like. Homes aren’t selling as fast as they were. And every week seems to bring another headline about buyers sitting on the sidelines. But here's what you haven't heard.

Despite everything going on, buyer demand has been remarkably resilient.

Quick gut reaction. Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? The answer hasn't changed in 14 years. 

It's real estate. And this year, that answer comes with even more conviction behind it. New data shows people aren't just saying homeownership is a smart move, they're feeling better about it than they have in years. Let's dig into why.

On July 11, 2026, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became federal law — the most significant housing reform in decades. Its goals are straightforward: increase housing supply, improve affordability, and expand access to homeownership.

For buyers and sellers in Central Florida's active-adult communities, that raises an obvious question: what does this actually change for you?

Here's the short answer: not much yet. The law takes effect January 7, 2027, and most of its provisions are pilot programs and studies that federal agencies must stand up over the following year or more. But a few pieces are worth understanding now, because they'll shape the 55+ market here in the years ahead.

Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too. 

That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive.

• A concession is something a seller agrees to during negotiations to get a deal done.

• An incentive is a perk a builder (or a seller) advertises upfront to attract buyers.

Let’s run through what you need to know about both and how they could play a role in your move.

Florida has long been one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees, and a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot could make the state even more appealing. While the amendment has not yet been approved, it includes a provision that may influence when 55+ buyers choose to purchase a home and establish Florida residency.

For anyone planning a retirement move to a 55+ community in Central Florida, understanding the potential timing matters.

What the Proposed Amendment Would Change

Here’s a closer look at what the proposal includes and why the timing matters.

If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.

Mortgage rates have risen. Home sales haven't picked up like expected. And many buyers and sellers are wondering when things are going to feel easier or be more affordable.

The truth is: a lot changed over the first half of this year.

Back at the end of 2025, economists were forecasting a much stronger housing market for 2026. They expected mortgage rates to come down, affordability to improve more dramatically, and home sales to rebound.

But lingering inflation, economic uncertainty, and growing geopolitical tensions overseas pushed mortgage rates higher than expected. And because rates stayed elevated for longer, many buyers continued to hold off.

That’s why experts recently revised their housing forecasts for the rest of the year (see graph below):

Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your mind.

Here’s the full picture of what’s happening and why. The good – and the bad. So, you know what it truly means for your move. Because while rates are certainly a big part of affordability, they’re not the only factor at play.

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country. All gave some, some gave all.

We also felt it fitting to share information on VA benefits when it comes to buying a home, as nearly half of Veterans (49%) feel homeownership is currently out of reach, according to a recent survey from NewDay USA.

If you’re a Veteran, you probably know the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan benefit exists – it's been around for over 80 years. What you might not know is what it actually covers. Here are three (3) misconceptions that trip up Veterans the most:

If you’ve always assumed a newly built home is just not in your budget, you should know the math just got a little friendlier.

The median sale price of a newly built home is now at its lowest level since 2021, according to the latest data from the Census. And on top of that, builders are still rolling out incentives to bring buyers through the door.

Here's what's happening, and what it means if you're shopping right now.